Final answer:
A carbon atom typically forms four covalent bonds in neutral molecules to fulfill the octet rule, which can be seen in methane with single bonds or in carbon dioxide with double bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
A carbon atom normally forms four covalent bonds in neutral molecules to satisfy the octet rule. This can be observed in molecules like methane (CH₄), where carbon forms four single bonds with hydrogen atoms. Similarly, in carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon forms two double bonds, one with each of the oxygen atoms.
Carbon has four electrons in its outermost shell and needs four more to achieve a stable configuration with eight valence electrons, as per the octet rule. In molecules like methane (CH₄), carbon shares one pair of electrons with each of the four hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. In other compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), the carbon atom forms two double covalent bonds with oxygen atoms, sharing two pairs of electrons with each oxygen atom. The ability to form up to four covalent bonds makes carbon versatile in forming organic compounds.